Hi Ron, Rob, Lee, Bob and Andrew,
As I wrote in the intro: the song was almost finished, and then I added those strings. But they had to be faster, so that applied to the whole song. And then I started to doubt whether I'd made the right decision. Just like you, I had to listen to it a few times. And then I knew it was right. Marty confirmed this by saying it was now ready to be released. That man gives you the confidence you need!
And you all confirm that with your comments here. Thanks so much!
But I have to make one confession: I didn't make the video or the picture of "that guy behind the guitar". Someone else did. But I look like that guy! I just don't like seeing myself depicted so large. And the first version of the video even started with my image! I asked if it could be reduced in size and moved to the end.

Originally Posted by DC Ron
Nicely done, Hans! Cool song, and I like the arrangement a lot. Also like how the orchestra turned out. GREAT vocals, too.
I only watched the video to see the guy playing the guitar. Hey, that was a long wait! Video has a pro-look to it.
Super song! Lots of holes being dug around us for sure.

Hi Ron, most of the time you are one of the first responders on my songs. And always so positive! In my intro here you can read what the "man behind that guitar" feels about that... The lyrics were, in a way, related to my work. I've fought many legal battles and had to avoid getting into trouble several times, but this song is more about the damage power can do when abused, and so on. Ultimately, they're digging their own grave, but unfortunately, so are ours.

Originally Posted by TuneMonger
One thing that I notice is that when a lot of songwriters choose a political topic their prosody suffers. You seem to be able to avoid that pitfall, which is very much to your credit. I like your vocal which is always good but the strings on this were quite nice as well. They were prominent but not overbearing, so, well done!

Hi Rob, that's very well said! And a huge compliment too!!! I was worried the strings would be too dominant, so I spent a lot of time on them to keep them supportive and not overpowering.
Thanks for noticing that too.

Originally Posted by Knee Wobbler
Hi there Hans,
That has a whole lot of texture and levels. I love it when orchestral and popular music merge, some think never the twain should meet. But I like the crossover and normally anything that is out of the norm and pushes boundaries I enjoy. On my first listen I thought the orchestral was too much over the vocal and really challenging. But with anything that is different it’s always challenging on the first listen. I then listened and watch the video on the second listen (video was great BTW), as is normally the case I relaxed into the feel for the song and enjoyed it and the layering better. My only critique is that perhaps the orchestra is a bit too loud over the vocal and distracts from the vocal, but the momentum the orchestra imposes on the song is brilliant.
Really well produced, written and sung. Enjoyed it a lot, kind regards.

Hi Lee, see, that's exactly what I mean!
You describe very well how you approach these kinds of musical "experiments." A bit like me, actually. I also like to do things "out of the box," but one has to be careful with that!
What I meant with my first sentence here is that in my answer to Rob (above), I had just explained how I handled the violins to keep them from being overpowering, and you find them to do so, a bit. I actually find that quite funny! Thanks for your wonderful, detailed answer!

Originally Posted by rsdean
Hans,
This is an excellent song. Awesome vocal as always and LOVE the instrumentation and mix.
Bob

Hello Bob, your replies (to me) are always so nice and kind to read! Thanks a lot!

Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Hi Hans!
This is really good! The style of the music takes on a ‘dark circus’ vibe - what could have been happy now has sinister undertones, and that suits and supports the message really well. There is a lot going on musically, and that demands several listens to gain familiarity - I’ve always enjoyed songs that grow on you or that need a deeper listen.

In moments of sleeplessness, I sometimes ponder a potential impending dystopia and a concern that I may not be able to count on neighbours. I once heard someone say that a test of who will have goodwill and you can rely on are those that have the decency and ethical integrity to return their shopping trolley to the designated trolley return, and not left recklessly in the middle of the car park.
I loved it!
Andrew (of the Antipodes)

Hi Andrew, you also mention "listening multiple times" to let these kinds of songs sink in a bit more. And you're absolutely right. That also applies to this song we're talking about.
You know, I've learned to utilize my moments, or hours, of insomnia. Initially, I created my first song through it, later I mainly used it for developing projects I wanted to work on and also for all sorts of problems. The situation you describe is unfortunately almost constantly on my mind, even though I can still enjoy life ;-)
So thanks for your nice words!

I've loved your reactions to the song and I'm sure we'll continue sending each other these kinds of supportive messages as long as there's music in it!
Hans

Hans Berkhout
(Birchwood)
https://soundcloud.com/user-296497130